Chemical company LyondellBasell and its joint venture partner, polymer maker Covestro, have kicked-off a large investment project at their site in Maasvlakte-Rotterdam, the Netherlands, resulting in an overall reduction of 140,000 tonnes/year CO2 emissions

The Circular Steam Project incorporates an innovative technology into the existing production plant to convert its water-based waste into energy, reducing 0.9 Petajoule of energy and avoiding the release of 11 million kg of salt residue into the surface water.

The Maasvlakte site, in the port of Rotterdam, is a 50:50 joint venture between the two companies, producing propylene oxide (PO) and styrene monomer (SM), based on the PO/SM technology of LyondellBasell.

The project is an important contribution to the Dutch government’s CO2 reduction targets. As part of the project, a new bio plant and incinerator will be built on the Maasvlakte site, in which the production’s waste will be treated in two steps and transformed into steam. The steam will be used as an energy source in the existing on-site production plant, thus making it a circular process.

Jean Gadbois, Senior Vice President Manufacturing Europe, Asia and International of LyondellBasell: “The Dutch government’s support is pivotal to the viability of innovative projects like this Circular Steam Project, which will allow us to realise an annual CO2 reduction equal to taking 31,000 cars off the road and will contribute to yearly energy savings equalling the electricity use of the city of Breda’s 90,000 households. This is a great step in advancing towards a more sustainable production.”

Dr. Klaus Schaefer, Chief Technology Officer of Covestro, added: “Our joint site in Maasvlakte is an important element of Covestro´s production network.

We are constantly aiming to reduce our specific emissions. Through this investment we will significantly enhance the efficiency of the existing operations.”

LyondellBasell and Covestro will build a new bio plant and incinerator on the Maasvlakte site, in which the production’s waste will be treated and transformed into steam. The steam will be used as an energy source in the existing on-site production plant, thus making it a circular process. The construction will employ about 71 people full-time; the new facilities will eventually provide permanent positions for 11 full-time employees. The official start of the project was marked by a ceremony in which LyondellBasell and Covestro, together with a large group of stakeholders, revealed the construction plan and its key benefits.

Allard Castelein, CEO Port of Rotterdam Authority commented: “This project is an important step towards realizing the Dutch ambition of a 49% reduction in CO2 emissions in 2030. The industry in Rotterdam, being an important emitter, plays an pivotal role in this reduction. The initiative by LyondellBasell and Covestro is an inspiring example how this can be done, even in a very competitive market.”